Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

BY  Sibashree Mar 18, 2025

Are you making plans to visit Chicago? Wondering if is Chicago safe? As a solo traveler, stay aware and plan your safety precautions before you explore Chicago's bustling streets and neighborhoods on your own.   Let me share some experiences I really enjoyed. Prioritize your safety before you do anything! Acquiring experience is important. However, you should also learn about some of the safest places to stay and where to eat.  If you are looking for a warm place to travel in February, skip Chicago. Instead, focus on traveling safely.   Is Chicago Safe? Question as a Solo Female Traveler!   A fantastic destination, Chicago has repeatedly been identified as a safe location for travelers. If you are wondering how to explore Chicago solo, you'll want safety tips to help you plan a successful vacation. Afterall, you are going to one of the most exotic places to travel!   The vibrant city of Chicago is quite accessible with excellent public transportation. I love traveling alone, and when I went to Chicago, I realized the public transportation system is so easy to navigate that getting around was a breeze.   There are many tourist attractions, quite close to each other. Planning and creating cluster location trips is both affordable and safe for a solo female traveler. Let me share some things to do, top restaurants, top places to stay, and other tips for staying safe.   Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers!   When you travel, the first thing to keep in mind as a solo female traveler is your safety. Safety is crucial when you travel solo, especially when you want to enjoy yourself while staying safe. Please keep the following tips in mind:   Learn more about the city – Review maps of Chicago and familiarize yourself with the city, its streets, and places. Review Chicago's layout, and use mobile apps or physical maps to navigate the city. Trust me, you will feel more confident when you know the city’s places, streets, routes, and places to visit.   Follow the safety guidelines – There are general safety guidelines, especially if you are traveling alone. You must stick to safety practices. A vibrant city, Chicago is safe, but you still need to stay aware of your surroundings when traveling alone. Chicago can easily be one of the best places to travel solo as a woman in the US.   Awareness of surroundings – Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when keeping your belongings close. Try to avoid deserted streets or buildings, as well as strangers who seem overly friendly.   Visit the tourist-friendly areas – The city is overall a cool place to be, but some places require a bit more awareness. It is better to avoid them if you are a solo female traveler. Yes, you will find security measures in place to keep visitors safe.   Things to Do in Chicago   Here are some things to do in Chicago while staying safe. If you love visiting museums, this is your chance to utilize most of your vacation time. You can visit the following places if museums, cafes, and walks are your vibe.   Field Museum – Open from 9 am to 5 pm, this state-of-the-art museum displays beautiful scientific artifacts, displays, and exhibits. You will also find several inventions on display. You can also see the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the largest display in the world!   Millennium Park – Open from 6 am to 11 pm, this 24.5-acre green space includes an outdoor theater. You can also take memorable pictures in front of the reflective “Bean” structure. This is one of the best places to travel with kids if you are traveling with your family!   The Art Institute of Chicago – Open from 11 am to 8 pm, this museum is known worldwide. It has exhibits collected from around the world across many centuries.   Lincoln Park Zoo – Open from 10 am to 5 pm, this zoo is small. However, the exhibits are quite good, and you can see primates, reptiles, lions, and other animals for free. There is also a children’s area along with a very interactive farm exhibit.   Griffin Museum of Science and Industry   – Open from 9:30 am to 4 pm, this sprawling space is filled with industrial exhibits and child-friendly scientific exhibits that are quite informative.   Riverwalk – You can visit this place between 6 am and 11 pm. A pedestrian path along the riverside offers you beautiful city views. If you're traveling solo, it is a perfect place to dine with a great view. You can also check out the bridges, boat docks, and fishing piers!   Top Restaurants and Bars to Visit   As a foodie, I love checking out places that offer delicious food and a variety of options. Chicago offers delicious food, especially for solo travelers. The experience is both enigmatic and beautiful.   The Longroom – If you are a beer enthusiast, this is the perfect place to try delicious craft beers. The vibe is great, and the pub fare isn't that expensive, so it's perfect for a solo visit.   Girl & The Goat   https://www.instagram.com/p/DF3jhNDzQdn/?img_index=1 – The innovative cuisine is the selling point of the restaurant, so every time you visit the place, you get to eat something exciting and new. Visiting this place is a great way to experience Chicago's developing culinary scene.   Olio e Piu   https://www.instagram.com/p/DGGQN_xTnXn – The Italian restaurant is quite charming serving a cozy environment with delicious dishes. If you are looking for an authentic trattoria, this is it for you. Try their fritto misto, Nutella calzone, carbonara, Margherita Pizza and others.   The Signature Room at the 95th   https://www.instagram.com/p/CtMYSa8qwU0/?hl=en – Giving you the perfect rooftop vibe, the pub is located high above the city, offering stunning skylines. You will get the perfect feel for solo dining with delicious, mesmerizing dishes.    Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria   https://www.instagram.com/p/DE24sxrTRb8/?img_index=2 – The deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati is a popular Chicago classic! You must try this if you want to experience Chicago-style pizza. Thus, feel the authenticity.   The Purple Pig   https://www.instagram.com/p/DHHa8AGgm8P/?img_index=3 – If you are craving some Mediterranean–inspired dishes, this is the place to be! The Charcuterie is to die for. Start with delicious cocktails, then try their roasted bone marrow with herbs, crispy pig’s ear, grilled broccoli, Spanish octopus, and more.   Best Neighborhood for Booking Your Accommodations   If you are planning to visit Chicago, I suggest some of the coolest and safest neighborhoods that create the perfect environment for solo travel. When booking your accommodations, I'll share some places known for different things!   If you want to shop in Chicago, the best neighborhood to stay in is around the North Side. You must visit the Magnificent Mile, which is vibrant and filled with charming touches. You'll find several stores, including high-end brands, unique flagship outlets, and street style!   You should also consider visiting the historic water tower and the John Hancock Center. Together, they bring Chicago's rich history to the forefront. A perfect mix of cultural exploration and retail therapy. This makes it a great place for solo shopping.   If you are planning to party, another place in Chicago with vibrant nightlife is River North. Popular for eclectic bars, vibrant live music venues, and a high-energy club scene, the neighborhood buzzes with nightlife. You can visit the rooftop lounges like LondonHouse and The Godfrey Hotel!   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, if you are wondering if Chicago is safe, especially if you are a solo female traveler, plan your vacation based on the tips. Remember the safety tips I shared, and keep your eyes and ears open.   Comment below if you need more information about creating a travel plan for visiting Chicago! Also, let us know if we missed any safety tips in this article. 

BY  Sibashree Nov 14, 2024

Once known as the Oil Capital of the World, Tulsa today is known for its concentration of Art Deco architecture and a cosmopolitan vibe.   On the Arkansas River, the city of Oklahoma is also the quintessence of the famous “Southern Hospitality” of the nation.   Further, Tulsa offers the best fine dining experience, making it an ideal destination for culinary tourism in Oklahoma or the entire USA.   In fact, forums like Secret Food Tours are now conducting food tours in the city.   This is the ultimate food adventure where you peek into famous restaurants’ kitchens.  Nevertheless, beyond food tourism, the entire travel landscape in Tulsa looks promising.   In fact, the Tulsa Regional Chamber has decided that Tulsa Regional Tourism will market the city as a center for tourism, sports, and culture.   Do you also want to explore this beautiful city in Oklahoma? Here is a brief guide for you. Unique Things To Do In Tulsa: Explore Food And More  The Tulsa Regional Chamber portrayed a happy picture of Tourism in Tulsa in 2022-2023.   In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the hotels in Tulsa created a market impact of $317.2 million.   The numbers being so promising have encouraged the Tulsa Regional Chamber to start the Improve Our Tulsa program.   This is an improvement package with a capital of $ 814 million to improve the Cox Business Convention Center, Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, etc.   All these market figures and initiatives show Tulsa’s rise as a tourism destination in the USA.   However, to explore the unique things to do in Tulsa, you will have to get your itinerary right first. 1. Visiting the Cave House https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq0vYy7purr/?img_index=1 Built in Tulsa in 1924, the Cave House is now one of the city’s most important landmarks.   It was a chicken restaurant earlier, and today, it is a great place for family adventure with amusing stories.   The entry fee to the Cave House is $15, and kids under 13 can get entry to the Cave House for $7.50.  2. Exploring the Gilcrease Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/CLMchHKj1KV Operating Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM  Entry Fee: $5-8  Do you want to visit the best artwork of the American West? Gilcrease Museum should be your go-to destination.   Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell, and Frank Tenney Johnson are some noted artists featured in this museum.   The Pioneer Garden, Rock Garden, and Pre-Columbian Garden are part of its 23-acre outdoor theme garden.  3. Visiting the Philbrook Museum of Art  Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (Except Friday) - 9 AM to 5 PM Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday And Tuesday - Closed  Entry Fee: Free for Children below 2, $18 for Adults and $8 for Youth Operating Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM  Entry Fee: $5-8  Do you want to visit the best artwork of the American West? Gilcrease Museum should be your go-to destination.   Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell, and Frank Tenney Johnson are some noted artists featured in this museum.   The Pioneer Garden, Rock Garden, and Pre-Columbian Garden are part of its 23-acre outdoor theme garden. 4. Visiting Tulsa Zoo Operation Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: Free for children below 3 Years, $10 for children from 3-11, $12 for 18-64 years old, and $12 for 65 years and above Located in Mohawk Park in Tulsa, the Tulsa Zoo has state-of-the-art exhibits. It is also a place to encounter animals from all over the world.  In this zoo, you will meet animals like the Malayan Tiger, Komodo dragon, snow leopard, Chinese alligators, etc.  Further, the zoo is a great place for birders with species like the “fawn-breasted bowerbird,” blue-crowned hanging parrot, and more. Did You Know?Tulsa Zoo was recently in the news for welcoming five Malayan tiger cubs.   These tigers belong to a critically endangered species, and the birth of the five cubs has increased the number of Malayan tigers in North America by 10%. “The survival of these five cubs is a major milestone for the critically endangered Malayan tiger population.   Each day, we weighed the cubs and completed health checks and supplemental feedings.   The opportunity to visually inspect the cubs, monitor their progress, and intervene if necessary is paramount.”Jordan Piha, Curator of Mammals, Tulsa Zoo Fine Dining: Experience One Of The Best Things To Do In Tulsa  Trying the local delicacies at fine dining restaurants is one of the best things to do in Tulsa.   These restaurants have their staples and daily specials for the gastronomic delight of the visitors.   Here is a list of some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Tulsa. 1. Kilkenny's Irish Pub https://www.instagram.com/p/C4YdPUPOl-n Phone Number: +1 918-582-8282 Tour and Travel Rating: 4.5 With a quaint charm, Kilkenny's Irish Pub serves the best corned beef in Tulsa.   Also, you can never have enough of the Irish stew at Kilkenny's Irish Pub.  Further, Kilkenny's Irish Pub is an excellent eatery to try seafood like oysters and lobsters.   Moreover, the bartender service here is friendly. So, you will feel like coming back. 2. SMOKE On Cherry Street https://www.instagram.com/p/C-li45JoaAM Phone Number: +1 918-949-4440 Tour and Travel Rating: 4.4 It’s a bliss to try smoked trout salad and grilled oysters at SMOKE.   The restaurant does every bit of justice to its name. Further, the chicken pasta here is delicious.  The menu of SMOKE is “Inspired American.”   So, the food served here is the quintessence of American delicacies served in the southern part of the country.   Moreover, celebrated chef Erik Reynolds and other chefs here use locally produced veggies and steaks.   In addition, you will find vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and vegetarian options in the restaurant.  3. Sisserou’s https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb0Q1EROJBm/?img_index=1 Phone Number: +1 918-576-6800 Tour and Travel Rating: 4.4 Do you want to try the Caribbean or Jamaican food in Tulsa? Sisserou’s is the go-to destination.   It’s a sin not to try the rum cakes or the crab appetizers here.   Further, the waffles here are quite good, and the presentation is even better with syrup and bananas.  You can even try the fried jerk chicken at Sisserou’s. Moreover, the service here is good and quick.  4. Mahogany Prime Steakhouse https://www.instagram.com/p/CeBvV5QM8tk Phone Number: +1 918-494-4043 Tour and Travel Rating: 4.3 We had the best steak in Tulsa at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse. You will also find the sautéed mushrooms and  New York Strips here yummy.   One more thing I am in absolute love with at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse is the crab cake.   Of course, you will love the American staple, mac and cheese, here. Exploring The Art Deco Architecture Of Tulsa   You will find the Deco District in Downtown Tulsa. Here, the most prominent buildings of the city have formed a compact group.   Further, the Tulsa Preservation Commission has preserved and maintained the following Art Deco buildings in the city.  Boulder on the Park  Christ the King Church  City Veterinary Hospital  Davis Residence  Webster High School, etc.  The people of Tulsa have been in love with the Art Deco style since the oil money boosted the economy of Tulsa Downtown.   Making its debut in a Paris exposition in 1925, the Art Deco style came to Tulsa a few years later. Getting To Tulsa And Best Time To Visit Between the museums, the Zoo, the Deco District walking tour, and a proper fine-dining crawl, a Tulsa trip fills up fast.  Here is what to know about getting into the city and when to plan around.  Getting There: Flights And Driving Distances  Tulsa International Airport (TUL) handles domestic flights from most major U.S. hubs, including direct routes to cities like Dallas, Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta.  It sits only about 15-20 minutes from the Deco District and downtown restaurants.  So, a rental car isn't strictly necessary if you are sticking to the attractions in this guide.   If you are road-tripping instead, Tulsa sits roughly an hour and 45 minutes from Oklahoma City via the Turner Turnpike.  It is about four hours from Dallas, and around six hours from Kansas City.  So, it is a reasonably easy weekend add-on for travelers already in the region.   Within the city, downtown Tulsa and the Deco District are walkable.  However, Philbrook Museum, Gilcrease Museum, and Tulsa Zoo are spread further out in their own garden and park settings.  So, a car or rideshare is the practical way to string all four museum-and-zoo stops together in one day.  Best Time Of Year To Visit Tulsa  Spring (April-May) and fall (late September-October) are generally the most comfortable months.  Mild temperatures make walking the Deco District and the Philbrook's outdoor gardens genuinely pleasant.  Also, fall foliage adds a nice backdrop to the historic architecture.   Summer brings Oklahoma's full heat and humidity, which can make an all-day museum-and-zoo itinerary more tiring.  However, it is also peak season for outdoor food-tour events and patio dining at spots like SMOKE on Cherry Street.   Winter is Tulsa's quietest tourist season.  You will find shorter lines at the Gilcrease and Philbrook museums and easier restaurant reservations.  However, it is worth checking hours in advance since some attractions and outdoor garden sections scale back over the colder months.   Whichever season you choose, it is worth booking Philbrook's current special exhibits and Gilcrease Museum tickets a few days ahead.  Both are popular enough to see periodic sell-outs around exhibit openings. Also read Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Mashum Mar 7, 2024

For 38 of Americans, dwindling spending power has become a major deterrent that is dampening their travel plans. This 2025 data from The Hill is alarming. If economic woes and rising prices are keeping you from vacationing overseas, why not consider exploring the US for a change of pace and scenery? Its sweeping terrain provides plenty of options, whether you’re looking to unwind at a sunny beach or go skiing on a snow-covered mountain. However, traveling in the US could expose you to various risks, just like overseas destinations.  So, being mindful of them and taking extra precautions will go a long way in making your vacation enjoyable and worry-free. Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Traveling In The US Here are the safety hazards you stand to encounter during your US travels. Accommodation Scams  Fraudsters often impersonate well-known hotel operators to direct travelers to malicious websites.  Such sites are usually set up to steal credit card and other personal information of anyone booking a room, which scammers could later use for financial fraud. Sometimes, the deceptive acts are much more subtle yet could leave you in equal despair.  Consider for a moment an accommodation ad that provides exaggerated or inaccurate details or omits critical information to mislead you.  This is a prevalent trick shady accommodation owners deploy to overcharge guests and secure bookings during off-peak travel seasons. Deceptive Tour Operators Scammers may offer promotional deals via online ads, messages, emails, and telemarketing calls in a bid to attract travelers hunting for bargains. But these promotions could quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare if you don’t watch out.  Remember, malicious actors could use fabricated travel packages to steal both your money and personal data. Taxi Meter Fraud Dishonest taxi drivers could overcharge passengers by keeping the meter switched off.  Sometimes, they may have the meter on but will reset it as soon as they reach the destination, preventing you from checking the distance and fare. Luggage Theft When dropping you off at the hotel or airport, fraudulent drivers could unload only part of your luggage and drive away with the rest.  This type of theft can occur when you’re distracted or not paying close attention to your belongings. Rental Service Fraud Many Americans rent cars during domestic travel.  Bad actors can make this an opportunity to charge them for pre-existing damage when they return the vehicle.  Without proper documentation, it becomes difficult for clients to prove that the damage was already there, resulting in unfair charges. Shady Locals There are numerous ways fraudsters could make money around popular travel hotspots.  One technique is taking the guise of friendly locals offering free personal tours and recommendations. But often, these con artists will take you to expensive shops and cafés that pay them a commission for bringing paying customers.  They could also get you entangled in various scams under the pretext of helping you. Wi-Fi Hacking Cybercriminals frequently hack into unsecured networks to steal useful data, such as payment information and account passwords.  If you are in the habit of using public Wi-Fi, this is a critical threat you must guard against. How Can You Ensure Your Travel Safety in the US?  The cost and hassle of experiencing a scam or other travel hazard can make anyone weary of traveling.  But you can avoid many of them by following the safety tips listed below. Seek Recommendations Whether you want to reserve a hotel room or rent a car, personal recommendations are essential for selecting legitimate service providers.  Today, there are many authentic reviews online that could help you assess travel services and make informed decisions. Use Reputed Online Platforms If you are using a well-known travel platform, type its website address in the search bar to avoid visiting spoofed websites. When you don’t know much about a vendor, make the reservation through a reputed travel booking site, such as hotel.com or booking.com.  These platforms typically screen individuals and businesses before accepting their listings and have safety features to protect customers. Be Cautious About Unsolicited Promotions Emails, messages, phone calls, and social media ads are popular mediums for travel scams that imitate reputed businesses.  Therefore, verifying their sources is important for detecting and avoiding fraud. For instance, check whether the email addresses match the ones used earlier by the relevant organizations.  Reverse search phone numbers on Nuwber to confirm they’re related to the mentioned companies. And if there are links or attachments, it is best not to click on them.  These could download malware and compromise your financial data security. Use a Ride-Hailing App This is the easiest solution to avoid taxi scams.  Uber, Lyft, and similar apps can help you secure a fair price, find a safe driver, and take the fastest route to your destination.  However, if you need to take a regular taxi, check whether the meter is on. If it’s not, find another cab. Watch Your Belongings  Whether you use a taxi or public transportation, keeping an eye on your luggage and other belongings is essential.  Don’t forget to pack light and leave your valuables at home. Check Before Renting When you are renting a vehicle or any other item during your travels, inspect it carefully before signing the rental agreement and providing a deposit.  If you notice any dents, scratches, or other obvious damage, point it out to the rental service provider, take photos, and put it down in writing. Use Secure Internet Connections Mobile data is the safest option to avoid cyber threats associated with unsecured networks.  When you need to log into public Wi-Fi, always select one protected by a password. Plan Ahead Doing your homework before traveling is a must to minimize dependency on strangers.  Research the destination and the travel spots you want to explore and learn about entrance fees, opening times, location, and special requirements.  Also, note down their official contact numbers so you won’t need to rely on others for information. Two More US Travel Pitfalls: ID Rules And Hidden Lodging Fees The scams above involve deliberate fraud. However, two other problems catch travelers out every year without anyone doing anything wrong. These are an ID that no longer works at airport security, and extra charges that appear after you book.  Both are easy to avoid with a little preparation. Check Your ID Before You Fly Since 7 May 2025, boarding a domestic US flight requires a REAL ID or another acceptable document, such as a passport, as CNBC reported.  Since 1 February 2026, adults who arrive without one can pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID, which covers a 10-day travel period, according to the TSA.  TSA also warns that the process can take up to 30 minutes and can cause a missed flight if you have not paid in advance. So it is a costly surprise to discover at the checkpoint. A REAL ID carries a black or gold star in the upper corner.  If yours does not, apply for one or pack your passport.  And in keeping with the spoofed-website warning above, pay the ConfirmID fee only through the official TSA.gov page. Read The Total Price, Not Just The Nightly Rate Since 12 May 2025, a Federal Trade Commission rule has required hotels and short-term rentals to display the total price. It includes mandatory fees such as resort fees and upfront fees.  Some costs, such as taxes, can still be shown later, but they must be disclosed before you enter payment details.  The rule does not ban or cap fees; it only requires that they be disclosed In practice, compare the all-in price across listings rather than the headline nightly rate, screenshot the total on your booking page, and question anything at check-in that does not match it.  Also ask whether a fee is charged per night or per stay, and note the cancellation deadline, since both can change what a “cheap” room really costs.  If the price you are charged is higher than the total you were shown, raise it with the property or booking platform in writing straight away. A Two-Minute Pre-Trip Checklist Before you leave, confirm that your ID has the REAL ID star or that your passport is packed. Screenshot your hotel’s total price and confirmation email, and photograph your rental car from every angle.  Add these to the precautions above, and most of the common US travel pitfalls become much easier to avoid. To Recap  Accommodation owners, tour operators, taxi drivers, rental service providers, shady locals, and even cybercriminals can target unsuspecting travelers in the US for various deceptive schemes. Some threats may have more severe consequences than others. However, they could all sap the joy out of your much-awaited vacation. So, be mindful of common hazards and take adequate precautions for your travel safety. Read Also: Traveling To Korea? Here’s Your Must-Try Korean Food Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling Top 11 Outlets In Massachusetts You Can Visit While Traveling